Stock market volatility and weak-form efficiency: evidence from an emerging market

Weak-form efficiency tests and volatility effects are modelled for Pakistani stock market using daily closing prices. It is found that returns series exhibit persistence and volatility clustering. Weak-form efficiency and mean variance hypothesis is rejected. Impact of SECP reforms have had a dampening effect on return volatility with a small increase witnessed in returns. Given the very small decline in return volatility, it seems that the policy impact can be characterised as neutral. Furthermore, it is found that 9/11 incident has led to increase in returns and a decrease in returns volatility.